Emmons County, North Dakota
The most common soil here is Williams, on about 8% of the land: a loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Amor and Bryant come next.
About 86% of the land drains well, and 5% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 5% of it.
USDA rates 52% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 21% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 3% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 32% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Emmons County, North Dakota, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). The most common soil order is Mollisols — grassland soils with a thick, dark, fertile topsoil rich in organic matter. This report summarizes the major soil map units across the survey area to help you understand what to expect when buying, building, or gardening in Emmons County, North Dakota. Search your address to find the exact soil composition, drainage, and series details at your specific location.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Williams-Bowbells loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 52K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Werner-Amor-Arnegard loams, 9 to 50 percent slopes | 43K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Temvik silt loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 43K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bryant silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Water | 31K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Amor-Werner loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Williams-Zahl-Zahill complex, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Wilton silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Parshall-Lihen fine sandy loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Williams-Falkirk loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Lihen-Telfer loamy fine sands, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Omio-Amor complex, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Amor loam, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Grassna silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Daglum-Rhoades complex, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Vebar-Parshall fine sandy loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Vebar-Cohagen fine sandy loams, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Cohagen-Vebar-Parshall fine sandy loams, 9 to 35 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bearpaw-Zeeland loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Amor-Werner loams, 9 to 15 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
Soil Orders in This Area
The USDA classifies every soil into one of 12 soil orders. Here are the dominant orders found in this survey area.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 21% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 52% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Despite good drainage overall, limitations may stem from shallow bedrock, steep slopes, or seasonal conditions. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.